Monroe Community College has been awarded more than $200,000 in grants for the development of a solar thermal technology certificate program and the construction of two facilities.
The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) has given MCC two grants totaling $207,000 to train students to become technicians skilled in the design, installation and maintenance of renewable energy systems. The college will also use the funds to help support the construction of two facilities at the Applied Technologies Center on West Henrietta Road--a Solar Thermal Auxiliary Resource (STAR) Center and the Weatherization House.
The STAR Center is a 1,600 square-foot facility where students will be trained in various solar thermal and in-floor radiant heating systems. The facility is self-sustaining, receiving its energy from photovoltaic panels and wind turbines. The Weatherization Center will provide the opportunity for students to install and test the efficiency of various geothermal and energy conservation equipment for home heating and cooling.
Monroe Community College says the solar thermal technology certificate program was developed in response to the region's increased demand for skilled workers in the field. Graduates of the program will be eligible to sit for the national entry-level solar thermal heating certification exam at MCC. The College is one of only four community colleges nationwide and the only school in New York state to serve as an approved testing center.
